Friday 30 April 2010

I like to be in America (OK by me in America)

Well, at least when I'm packing to go home I won't have the irritating problem of how I fit the prize into my suitcase. Like most people at last night's Edgars awards dinner I left having met some interesting people and made some new friends but without a statuette to mislay at the after-party. Probably PD James should have felt more miffed that her hotly-tipped "Talking about Detective Fiction" didn't win a prize. I was in the "happy just to be nominated" section of the room. And we're having a great time over here courtesy of my American publisher, Felony and Mayhem. After a few days in New York, Ann and I are off to Arlington VA today, for Malice Domestic, where I am on a panel on Saturday discussing the legacy of the Golden Age of crime fiction. My thanks to everyone here and in the UK who has sent their good wishes over the past few days. Next year, perhaps ....

9 comments:

no said...

Aw, bum. Still, holiday in New York! Awards ceremony and stuff! Sounds awesome. And yeah, my money's on you for next year, Len.

Tim Stretton said...

Len, still a hell of an achievement. Enjoy the rest of your trip!

Ann Weisgarber said...

This is such a disappointment, but I agree with Aliya and Tim. It's an achievement to be part of this crowd. Congratulations again for making the list.

Congrats too for being on a panel at the Malice Domestic Conference. What irony that it's in Arlington, home to many of our D.C. politicians.

Enjoy it all.

Eliza Graham said...

Glad you're having fun, anyway, Len.

Next time...

Frances Garrood said...

I have nothing to add, excpet that I'm sure we're all just as proud of you for being short-listed as we would have been if you'd won. Have a great holiday.

Alis said...

I agree with Frances - I've always thought that anybody on a prize shortlist could win - it just depends on the judges on the day - enjoy the rest of the trip in the knowledge that you were on that list!

David Isaak said...

Well, I would have voted for Herring-Seller, but they somehow neglected to invite me to be a judge. But the nomination is a major boasting point.

Just don't forget to put "Edgar finalist" or "Edgar nominated author" or some such after your name, and on all the covers of your books, for at least a few years. I'm told by friends that simply being nominated and invited to the shindig gives your sales a good upward bump for quite a while afterward.

Deborah Swift said...

Edgar nominee, Wow. What good company you're in! Shame not to win, but hope you are having a great time anyway.

mattfwcurran.com Web Admin said...

I would say commiserations for not winning, Len (and echoing others here, it is a crying shame that you didn't!) but just to be nominated for the Edgars is a big deal so a belated congratulations for that (and I hope your jaunt across the US went well too!)